Presbytery of Tampa Bay

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May Meeting of Presbytery

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We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

May Meeting of Presbytery

Our next Presbytery meeting is Thursday May 28 at 9:00 a.m.  Registration and fellowship begins at 8:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church

175 Lake Hollinsgworth Drive

Lakeland, Florida  33801

Childcare:  Call the church office - 863-686-7187 by Wednesday May 20. Pastors!  Your attendance at Presbytery meetings is expected.  If you need to be excused, please call 813-868-4800 and speak with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Also note that lunch tickets will be sold during registration - checks should be made to First Presbyterian Church.  If you need an exact amount, please contact the church directly.

We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Glenn McDonald as our Keynote Speaker. His presentation "The Disciple Making Challenge" will inspire and challenge us as we seek to reach new disciples for Christ!

Glenn McDonald is pastor of Zionsville Presbyterian Church in suburban Indianapolis, a congregation he helped organize in 1983.  The church has grown from about two dozen adults to more than 2,000 members, and is notable for its small groups, ministry teams and decentralized style of ministry, which prioritizes lay leadership.  ZPC was recently identified as one of America's 300 Excellent Protestant Churches in a study funded by the Lilly Endowment.

Glenn and his wife Mary Sue are Indianapolis natives and are parents of Mark (30), Katy (27), Jeff (24) and Tyler (21).  He is an avid spelunker, movie buff, and amateur astronomer.  Glenn holds a degree in biology from Purdue University and received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois.

Glenn has been a consultant for a number of governing bodies and congregations in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other mainline denominations, and was part of the national teaching team for Evangelism Connections '98. He is the author of The Disciplemaking Church: From Dry Bones to Spiritual Vitality (2004); Living Beyond the Sanctuary: Discipleship in the Real World (2008);  and co-authored Imagining a Church in the Spirit with Ben Campbell Johnson (1999).

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News Flash!

We Have an Emergent (New) Church

Nominations for 2010 General Assembly

Coming Soon

COM Update and Prayer List

Save the Dates!

Peace Pilgrimage A group of 8 pilgrims from Eckerd College Campus Ministry and Transfiguration Faith Community, one of our new church developments, participated in a Peace Pilgrimage on the weekend of March 27-29.  They journeyed from Tampa to Wimauma seeking and wrestling with how to live peacefully in our world today.  The weekend included opportunities to grow spiritually through meditation and contemplative prayer, personal and group reflection, journaling and discussion exercises focusing on themes of peace and justice.  Many volunteers from Bayshore, Tampa, and St. Andrew, Sun City Center hosted the pilgrims on Friday and Saturday nights.  Beth-El Farmworker Ministry was the final stop on the pilgrimage where participants experienced more hospitality, a Bible Study and worshipping God with our friends at Wimauma.   The weekend was planned by Rev. Andrew Black (Eckerd College), Mitch Webb and Rev. Doug McMahon.  Participants of this event, along with the Justice and Peacemaking Committee, are planning for another pilgrimage later in the year.  If you are interested in participating, contact the Rev. Doug McMahon at 727-366-6164 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Transfiguration Faith Community is our Emergent (new) church.  Everyone is invited to their next event.  On May 30 at 10:00 a.m. you are welcome to come to the home of Jean Johnson in St. Petersburg.  This will be an excellent time to explore the mission and ministry of Transfiguration Faith Community.  For questions, directions and to RSVP email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Help support Doug in his ministry through reading his blog and keeping him in prayer.  This is an exciting time for him and our Presbytery!

Just Because! Recently the Presbyterian News Service featured an article all about our REACH initiative.  Both the Rev. John Fullerton, pastor at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, and the Rev. Gerry Tyer were interviewed for the story.  Read the full text here.

Presbytery Attendance Requirements In Order To Be G.A. Commissioners
General Assembly doesn’t meet until June of next year but it’s already time for churches and pastors to be aware of presbytery attendance requirements for commissioners.

In December2008 the presbytery affirmed requirements the Nominating Committee had been using when considering persons to be commissioners.  They are as follows:

1)    In March of 2010 six churches from a rotation list will receive letters asking them to put forth the names of one male elder and one female, with information about both.  From those names the Nominating Committee will propose three elder commissioners and three alternates, who will attend if those nominated cannot make it for some reason.  To be considered for this privilege, the congregation must have had an elder commissioner attending the majority of stated meetings of the presbytery during the two years prior to the May 2010 meeting.
2)    Any member of the presbytery may suggest names for minister commissioners, and ministers may submit their own names.  Those names must be accompanied by information on a form similar to that of elders, as well as a biographical/faith statement.  Preference will be given to:
a) Active  ministers who either have never served as a commissioner to General Assembly or who have not served within the past 14 years;
b) Ministers who have attended a majority of the stated meetings of the presbytery for the two years prior to the presbytery meeting of May 2010.

There are additional requirements and the full policy/procedures can be obtained by calling the presbytery office at 813-868-4800 or by e-mailing: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Register now for Spring Bash! Bring your 2nd through 5th grade Sunday school classes or other small groups for 24 hours of faith, fellowship and fun at Cedarkirk! You will enjoy a night in the Rustic Cabins and participate in all sorts of camp favorites: zip-lining, rock climbing, group games, and crafts. Your group will have the unique opportunity to experience God's wondrous creation in worship and at play. There are two weekends to chose from: May 1st-2nd or May 15th-16th. The cost for the Bash is $60 per person.

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 9^th from 1 PM to 5 PM.  Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for a free day of fun at Cedarkirk. Choose from activities like camp tours, games, archery, s'mores and arts and crafts. You can also bring your swimsuit and enjoy a dip in the swimming pool. This is a great chance to see what a day of summer camp looks like. Please check www.cedarkirk.com for directions or call Karin at 813-685-4224.

Come to North Lakeland Presbyterian Church for a Handbell Concert on Sunday May 3, 4:00 p.m. Enjoy the gift of music from adults, youth, solo ringers, duets & quartets.  There is no charge for this event.  North Lakeland Church is located at 6725 N. Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL  863-853-9541.

Gift of Presence - The Family Justice Center is offering a free two hour training for Clergy on the issue of Domestic Violence.  Tuesday May 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Domestic Violence affects everyone and is present in every congregation.  Clergy need to be aware of the issues and how to be an effective help in these situations.  Please plan to attend this training, which will address the topic especially from a faith-perspective.  The Center is located at 9303 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 109, Tampa, FL  33612 (Floriland Office Center).  Please RSVP to Dotti Groover-Skipper at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 813-490-2439.

Do you need a Presbyterian Planning Calendar? The Presbytery office has extras available for $8 each.  First come, first served, we have four available.  They begin June 1, so get yours now.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to purchase.

Committee on Ministry Update.  It is good for us to know who our fellow workers for Christ are and where they serve.  At its last meeting the committee:

• Approved the Rev. Jan Banker in a validated ministry as a half-time Chaplain at Westminster Shores in St. Petersburg, Florida.
• Granted permission for Rev. Julio Travieso to labor beyond the bounds of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay in order to serve as Evangelist for Hispanic Ministry at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota, Florida effective January 1, 2009.
• Approved Rev. Jeffrey Guild as Designated Pastor of the Bayshore Presbyterian Church of Tampa, Florida effective April 1, 2009 upon dismissal from Utica Presbytery.
• Approved Rev. Robert Allen as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Crystal River, Florida effective March 1, 2009 upon dismissal from Ohio Valley Presbytery.
• Dismissed Rev. Sidney McCollum to the Presbytery of South Alabama pending their request.
• Approved Rev. Gail Zoya as Pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, Florida effective April 15, 2009 upon dismissal from Palo Duro Presbytery.
• Approved Rev. Gary Hofmeyer as part-time (37.5 hours per week) Stated Supply of the Northwest Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, Florida effective April 1, 2009 upon dismissal from the Reformed Church in America.
• Authorized Rev. Alan Chaves to labor outside the bounds of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay pending the request from the Presbytery of Monmouth.
• Rev. Dennis Reid was installed on March 29, 2009 as Pastor of the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Clearwater, Florida.
• Received Rev. Fred E. Baliad, H.R. as a member of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, pending dismissal from the Presbytery of Detroit.
• Approved Rev. Paul Means as Associate Pastor of Northwood Presbyterian Church of Clearwater, Florida effective February 2, 2009.
• Dismissed Rev. W. Alexander Stevens to Cherokee Presbytery in order for him to accept the call as Interim Pastor of Providence Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Georgia effective November 18, 2008.
• Approved Rev. William Cowfer (HR) to become a member of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay upon dismissal from the Presbytery of The James.
• Approved Rev. Virginia Martin (HR) to become a member of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay  upon dismissal from the Presbytery of The James.
• Approved Rev. Robert Davenport as Interim Pastor of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg, Florida effective November 30, 2008.
• Approved Rev. David Garnett to become a member-at-large of the Presby­tery of Tampa Bay at his request upon dismissal from East Tennessee Presbytery.

What Is God Calling You To Do? We Presbyterians are a committee people.  Your Presbytery functions because of the dedicated individuals who answer the call to serve Christ through one of our committees.  If you would like to get involved and serve Christ for the Presbytery, please contact Brian Mickle, Pastor at North Lakeland Presbyterian Church, 863-853-9541 or Mary McKey, Associate Executive for Nurture, 813-868-4800.  We currently have openings on several committees and would love to have you join us!

Each week your Presbytery Staff prays for our churches, their staff, our General Assembly, for those celebrating birthdays in the coming week, and anyone who has asked for prayer. Each month we will share with you the churches we are praying for and invite you to join this ministry of prayer for each other.  During April our churches were:

• Westminster Presbyterian Church  (Lakeland)
• Christ Presbyterian Church ( Largo)
• Highlands Presbyterian Church ( Largo)
• Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church ( Lutz)
• Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs (New Port Richey)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church ( Newport Richey)
• Keystone Presbyterian Church ( Odessa)
• Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor

More Happenings at Cedarkirk!

Cedarkirk is hiring. Counselors and more for the summer camp season are now needed at Cedarkirk. Summer experiences at Christian camps can be life changing for campers and staff. If you have college students and young adults who want to share time with children and youth growing in faith while having all the fun summer camp offers, have them contact Cedarkirk at 813-685-4224.

Have your children and youth registered yet? Some camps fill quickly, so visit www.cedarkirk.com/summer to register and to see the full schedule. There are camps for all ages and abilities, including a family camp weekend for age 3 and up, a camp for youth focused on mission projects,  a music, arts and drama camp, and a special camp for developmentally challenged adults.  Not sure? All churches have registration information and brochures or you can check their website for information.

Newsletters Please. Presbyterians are connectional people and your presbytery wants to know what great things are happening in your congregation. Please be sure to add us to your newsletter mailing list. Our surface mail address is 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, FL 33615. Email newsletters to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will include events of interest to all, if we get them well in advance. The newsletter deadline is the second Monday each month. May 11 will be our next deadline. Articles can be sent in word or email format. Clip art is also welcome, please contact us - we have a large library already and may have what you want!

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Save The Dates!

The spring Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be Thursday May 28 at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.

ACS Technologies Training - July 20-24, to be held at the Kelly Road Mission Center.  This 5 day event (register at  http://www.acstechnologies.com/training/article128301.htm ) is essential for those who use ACS software to manage financial and membership information.  Best of all it's right here.

Friday August 21-Saturday August 22 - Super Saturday for Discipleship (Note our NEW name, formerly Christian Education) Friday afternoon is a time for Educators to gather with our Keynote Speaker - this year we look forward to welcoming Anne Wilson, Educator and Director of Family Ministry from Northwoods Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX.  Saturday we'll gather at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dunedin for Keynote, workshops, fellowship and more.  (Our name change to Discipleship from Education reflects our belief that our event helps us nurture disciples and leaders and is for all who serve Christ in the Church, not 'just' for Sunday School teachers.)

The fall Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be Thursday October 1 at First Presbyterian Church in Inverness.

Mission Super Saturday will be October 10.

Resourceful Ideas

Do You Have Questions About Planning? Need help figuring out what curriculum to use?  Want help with Youth Ministry?  Call us!  Your Resource Center staff is here to suggest resources, help with planning and can lead training workshops for you!  Leslee Kirkconnell is a Certified Christian Educator with many years of experience in the local congregation and is ready to help you as you plan Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, officer training, youth ministry and more.  Carol Walker is a leader in her church's Christian Education program and an elder and is able to help as well.  Please call or email with your questions and let us help you.

May is a great time for finalizing plans for summer and working towards the fall.  It is also a time to recognize your graduates from high school and college.  Young adults who have a connection to their church will likely stay involved in a church, even if they move away.  Don't let your gradutes forget you-be sure to recognize their accomplishments in worship, your newsletters and with cards/emails directly.  Pray for them on a regular basis and tell them you are doing so! There are wonderful devotional books you can purchase for recent graduates.  We can suggest some for you!

Pastors, Educators & Elders: You are invited to join The Company of Pastors (Pastors/Educators) & the Order of Elders (Elders). These groups are PC(USA) organizations run by the Office of Theology & Worship. Members commit to regular, disciplined reading of the Bible, Confessions and other works, to prayer for their church, their community & the world.  Each member receives several items to help these tasks:  The Daily Lectionary, a Book of Confessions & the Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study.  Relevant books on theology/ministry are sent to all twice each year as well.  Daily disciplined Bible study is an important key to spiritual growth and maturity and being part of one of these orders is an excellent way to accomplish this!  There are four people in our Presbytery in the Company of Pastors, including your Resource Center Director.  For more information about both programs, visit www.pcusa.org/pastorselders/

New! New! New!

Several new curriculum samples are here!  Gather 'Round is from Brethren Press and is for preschool through adult, specifically parents and caregivers of children.  Scriptures are planned so all ages study the same passages, thus leading to ongoing discussions during the week.  Faith Alive has also sent a sampler of their new Kid Connection, especially designed for smaller Sunday Schools, especially those who combine ages.  There is also a piece to help parents talk about what their kids are learning each week.  The 'new' We Believe will be here in June.  This revision brings an even better denominational curriculum to us and we're really excited.  There are new youth pieces - the writers asked for and incorporated feedback from Presbyterian youth on what questions they have!  These give additional options especially for our Middle School age youth.  Call us with your curriculum questions.

The Power of God and the gods of Power is a new book by Daniel L. Migliore.  The author calls us to reassess our understanding of the power of God.  Here you can recover the reading of Scripture and the doctrines of the Trinity, incarnation and the cross as witnesses to the power of the one God.  Also new is No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu.  Drawn from his experience leading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, Archbishop Tutu shares his joys, his pains, his deep spiritual growth encountered through this searing process.  One of our newest members, the Rev. Fred E. Baliad, has gifted the Resource Center with his book, Immigrant Pastor's File.  Born out of many years of serving the Presbyterian Church as an immigrant pastor and also as a mission co-worker, this is an excellent insight into what it means to serve Christ in a land not of one's birth.  Sermons, letters, prayers and more will provide inspiration and understanding.

Explore these and other resources on the web - www.presbyteryoftampabay.com.  You can click on Webrary (Webrary is our on-line, searchable catalog!) on the right hand side.  Enjoy our new website look!

If you are looking for good resources for your families, consider Heartfelt News from the LOGOS Ministry.  You can access the newsletter at www.thelogosministry.org/heartfelt.html.  Feel free to email the link to your families and encourage them to sign up for e-delivery.  It is a wonderful resource for all who love and care for children and it is not necessary to have The LOGOS Program at your church to receive this great resource.  Each month there are parenting tips, ideas for families, prayers and more.

There's always more to our story than we can include here.  Come visit the Resource Center and let us help you with your ministry.

You are the RIESEN we are here - Resourceful Ideas Enabling Service Education & Nurture! Contact Leslee Kirkconnell or Carol Walker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 813-868-4800.

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Serving Together in Mission

Did you know there is a Presbyterian Conservation Corps?  The PCC is a Christian community responding to God's call through applied eco-stewardship.  They seek to train and inspire young adults (18-24) in the ways of eco-stewardship within the context of the Christian faith.  There are two events - Eco Stewards West beginning in Allenspark CO, July 5-12 and Eco Stewards Midwest, August 2-9 beginning at Stronghold Retreat Center in Oregon, IL.  Scholarships are available (program fee is $250).  For more information, visit www.presbyterianconservationcorps.org.

Although we just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord, it's time to think about Pentecost.  The Pentecost Offering will be collected on May 31 and benefits children and youth at risk.  When you collect the offering, your congregation keeps 40% to use on behalf of children at risk.  This is an excellent offering to involve your children and youth and the packet prepared by the PC(USA) has wonderful suggestions.  If you need additional packets, please contact the presbytery office, 813-868-4800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Give Your Vacation Bible School a Mission Focus! Supplementary kits from the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation and the Society of St. Andrew are available from the Resource Center.  These kits are designed to supplement your VBS for a specific mission for your participants.  This year's supplement from the Outreach Foundation will focus on helping orphans in North Korea through the Lighthouse Foundation, a ministry begun by PC(USA) missionaries.  The Society of St. Andrew is focused on hunger issues and how we can make a difference against hunger here in America. TREK-Mission Adventure offers resources for younger and older children-scripture text and story, hunger facts, information about the Society and activities.  One nickel provides a pound of potatoes to a hungry family!   Children from preschool through 5th grade will learn more about reaching out in God's love through mission projects during VBS.  For more information call the Resource Center or visit www.endhunger.org (St. Andrew) or www.theoutreachfoundation.org.

Your Presbytery Office sells Equal Exchange Coffee, tea, chocolate and more, along with merchandise from SERVV.  Our purpose is to raise awareness of fair trade issues and how congregations can make a real difference in the lives of people around the world.  Purchasing fair trade items guarantees a certain level of income to the farmers and artisans from whom we purchase.  For instance, when we buy coffee or other items from Equal Exchange, the farmers who grew the coffee beans (all shade grown) receive a minimum per pound price, no matter what the world coffee market does.  There are no middle 'men' or steps in fair trade.  Farmers are part of cooperatives that deal directly with Equal Exchange, thus ensuring more money going to the hard working individuals who produced the product.  We invite you to sample what we sell, see the items from SERVV and learn more about how easy it is for congregations to participate in fair trade projects!

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We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Get to the Big Tent!

Where's John Calvin?

The Church is ALIVE

Presbyterian Women's Gathering

Sunday May 17 is Multicultural Church Sunday. Presbyterians of all ethnicities and cultures will gather together to celebrate Multicultural Church Sunday. On this day, congregations are encouraged to intentionally seek to recognize and celebrate a diverse membership by worshiping with music, languages, arts and theological expressions from varying cultures. Why not try a pulpit exchange or joint worship with a church of a different ethnicity or cultural background, or how about visiting a multicultural church? Want some inspiration?  Read some inspirational stories here.

Join us at the Big Tent! June 11-13, 2009 •Atlanta, Georgia

Big Tent is a first-of-its-kind event scheduled for June 11-13, 2009, in Atlanta under the theme, " ... and the word became flesh."  There will be some common meals and worship services, a shared exhibit hall, some common workshop sessions and a Saturday evening celebration event.

Ten Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ministries and groups will hold their conferences in conjunction with the Big Tent event: the Healthy Ministry Conference, the Presbyterian Communicators' Network Conference, the National Multicultural Church Conference, the Stewardship and Investment Conference, the Evangelism and Church Growth Conference, the National Elders Conference, the Peacemaking Conference, the PHEWA Social Justice Biennial Conference, the Racial Ethnic Convocation and the New Immigrants Ministries Convocation.

Registration is open -visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent. 1-888-728-7228 x 2417.

Where's John Calvin? We will observe the 500th anniversary of his birth this year with several events. A special time is being planned for our fall Presbytery meeting to be held at First Presbyterian Church in Inverness October 1. In celebration of Calvin's birthday, Witherspoon Press and the Theology Worship and Education ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) produced an awesome DVD on the life and legacy of John Calvin. http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/calvin.htm

Come To the Montreat Calvin Jubilee, July 8-11 and join a wonderful array of scholars and preachers.  Sponsored by the Office of Theology & Worship, Montreat & Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, participants will enjoy a festive occasion with Christians from several denominations.  Top Calvin scholars, inspiring worship, panel discussions, a birthday celebration and more!  Montreat is handling lodging & meals - 1-800-572-2257 x 339 and for registration contact Nicole Gerkins at 1-888-728-7228 x 5029 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

John Calvin had definite ideas on certain issues and one  was observation of the Lord's Supper.  He believed it was important to participate in a regular, preferably weekly, celebration of the Sacrament.  Several churches are Taking Cues From Calvin.  You can read more by following the link.  While you are there, you can learn more about Invitation to Christ as well!

Did you know?  Calvin was the son of Gerard Cauvin, a notary & registrar to the ecclesiastical court, and Jeanne le Franc, the daughter of an innkeeper.  His family's middle class status allowed him access to good schools.  At 14, with a church scholarship, he left for Paris and studied the Roman writers, philosophy and logic and was exposed to theological conservatism, humanism and a movement calling for the reformation of the church, all while he prepared for a career in law.  After finishing his studies, he lived in Paris and had a 'sudden conversion' which focused his attention on working with church reform activists.  It is suspected he authored the remarks made by his friend Nicholas Cop when he was installed as rector of the University of Paris in 1533.  The ensuing controversy caused Calvin to flee to Basel, where he wrote the first distillation of evangelical faith:  The Institutes of the Christian Religion.  He continued to revise and expand this seminal work until it became a treatise for theology students.  In addition to celebrating Calvin's birthday, we can also celebrate the 450th anniversary of his final printing of The Institutes.

The Church is ALIVE! God is moving in the lives of our young adults who are convinced the PCUSA is more than political controversy and small churches getting smaller.  There's a new website called "The Church is Alive"  www.thechurchisalive.com.  The purpose of the website is to be a place where videos of exciting things happening in our churches can be posted.  Our Moderator, the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow has a special video invitation under the 'About' tab.  Be sure to also watch the video on Church of All Nations in Minnesota.  The church IS alive!

Presbyterian Women Churchwide Gathering will be July 11-15 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women gives you the opportunity to

* nurture your faith in community with women from around the world;
* learn about mission opportunities and justice and peace issues;
* develop leadership skills;
* participate in workshops;
* hear from Bible study leaders and plenary speakers;
* meet new friends, including Global Partners from around the world, and women from your area at the synod lunches;
* and much more!

Go to the Great Room to see exhibits about justice and peace issues and mission opportunities. Shop for fair trade gifts in the Global Marketplace. Visit the Horizons space to learn more about your favorite magazine and Bible study. Buy PW and PC(USA) resources. Enjoy crafts and snacks. The Great Room will be a terrific place to wonder and wander!

Workshops in English, Spanish and Korean as well as tours will address mission, leadership, personal spiritual growth and much more. Learn from plenary speakers and Bible study leaders who will explore the theme, "God Will Work Wonders Among You," and Joshua 3:5.

More than 3,000 women (and children, youth and a few men!) will participate in the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, which is being held in partnership with the National Presbyterian Association of Clergywomen. On-line registration is open - visit www.pcusa.org/pw.

Do you enjoy reading for spiritual growth? Check out Hungry Hearts, available online, or you can request a print version be mailed.  Produced by the Office of Spiritual Formation of the PCUSA, each quarterly issue is packed with articles designed to deepen your spiritual life.  The current edition is entitled, "Praise Twice:  Prays Twice."  From the link you can see all the great resources available for feeding that hungry place in your soul.

All of us need time away to relax, refresh, learn, worship and recreate. Here are opportunities available for Clergy, educators and more:

Sprunt Lectures at Union/PSCE in Richmond are May 6-8 and feature Thomas G. Long:  Preaching in More Than One Language.  Call 1-800-229-2990 ext. 285 or email Kathy Erhardt at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Registration deadline is April 30.

Adults need spiritual nurture too!  Way Points is a cooperative effort of Presbyterian Camp and Conference Centers committed to providing high quality experiences for adults.  A sample of offerings - 'experience musical and spiritual traditions in the Southwest-drums and songs of the Rio Grande pueblos (Ghost Ranch);  'Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes' (Crestfield Camp & Conference Center);  "The Art of Stained Glass' (Calvin Center) and many more!  Visit the website - www.way-points.org for more information or to register.

Montreat Conference Center has wonderful opportunities year 'round.  Proclaiming the Text June 1-5;  Christian Education June 1-5;  Youth Conferences begin June 7;  Worship and Music June 21-June 28 and June 28-July 4; Christian Life Conference, July 4-7 and more.  Visit www.montreat.org for information or to register.  Early registration is discounted on many conferences!

ARMSS (Association of Retired Ministers, Their Spouses or Survivors) convention (in conjunction with Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network) will be September 29-October 2 in Tucson, Arizona.  Joy for the Journey:  Equipping the Saints.  For information contact Ginny Nyhuis, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 615-426-1545.

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